Mounting device with fastener receiving structure

ABSTRACT

A mounting device includes a panel portion, and a fastener receiving structure provided within a perimeter of the panel portion. The fastener receiving structure can include an aperture to receive an insertive fastener, and a flexure mechanism to enable at least a portion of the fastener receiving structure that includes the aperture to flex with insertion of the fastener in the aperture that attaches the panel portion against an underlying surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/517,553, filed on Jul. 20, 2019; which claims the benefit of priorityto U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/701,418, filed on Jul. 20, 2018,and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/744,431, filed on Oct. 11, 2018;the aforementioned applications being hereby incorporated by referencein their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Examples relate to mounting devices, and more specifically to mountingdevices with fastener receiving structures.

BACKGROUND

Numerous types of mounting devices require installation using screws,bolts, nails, or other insertive fasteners. For example, screws such asmachine screws may be used to install a device such as a switch, e.g. alight or fan switch, into an electrical box, which may for example be inor attached to a wall. It is presently difficult to ensure that such adevice is securely fastened without being fastened so tightly as to warpor otherwise cause damage to the device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A through FIG. 1D illustrate an example of a mounting devicehaving a fastener receiving structure with strain reductioncapabilities.

FIG. 1E illustrates a variation of an example mounting device such asshown by FIG. 1A through FIG. 1D.

FIG. 1F illustrates a variation of a fastener receiving structure, foruse with mounting devices, according to one or more examples.

FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B illustrate an example of a base device having atleast one fastener receiving structure to mount the base device againsta wall.

FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B illustrate another example of a base device havingat least one fastener receiving structure.

FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B illustrate yet another example of a base devicehaving at least one fastener receiving structure.

FIG. 5A illustrates a base device that can be installed to provide amodularized interface to receive an electronic module, according to oneor more examples.

FIG. 5B illustrates a block diagram of electronic components that can beretained within a base device, in accordance with one or more examples.

FIG. 5C illustrates a base device for an electronic assembly that isinstalled to an electrical box, according to one or more examples.

FIG. 5D illustrates installation of an electronic assembly having anelectronic module and base device, with an electrical box providedwithin a wall, according to one or more examples.

FIG. 5E and FIG. 5F illustrate an electronic assembly that is installedto an electrical box within a wall.

FIG. 5G and FIG. 5H illustrate an example of an electronic assemblyhaving a base device, electronic module, and faceplate, in accordancewith one or more examples.

FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B illustrate alternative variations of a base device,in accordance with one or more examples.

FIG. 7A through FIG. 7D illustrate another example of an electronicassembly, in which hook fasteners are used to enable attachment of anelectronic module and base device.

FIG. 8A through FIG. 8F illustrate another example of an electronicassembly that utilizes a slide and rotate mechanism to enable attachmentof an electronic module to a base device.

FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B illustrate an example of an electronic assembly inwhich a base device provides a retention receptacle for an electronicmodule.

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate an extended base device for an electronicassembly, according to one or more examples.

FIG. 11A through FIG. 11C illustrate an example safety switch forpowering a mounted electronic device, according to various examplesdescribed herein.

FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate another example of a safety switch forpowering a mounted electronic device, according to examples describedherein.

FIG. 13A through 13D illustrate an example embodiment of a shuttermechanism for an electronic device, according to various examples;

FIG. 14A through 14C illustrate another example embodiment of a shuttermechanism for an electronic device, according to examples describedherein.

FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B illustrate a shutter device implemented in theshutter mechanism as shown and described with respect to FIG. 13Athrough FIG. 13D.

FIG. 16A and FIG. 16B illustrate a shutter device implemented in theshutter mechanism as shown and described with respect to FIG. 14Athrough FIG. 14C.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Examples described throughout the present disclosure provide a basedevice for an electronic module or a mounting device that includes apanel portion and one or more fastener receiving structures eachprovided within a perimeter or opening of the panel portion. Thefastener receiving structure can include an aperture to receive aninsertive fastener, and a flexure mechanism to enable at least a portionof the fastener receiving structure that includes the aperture to flexwith insertion of the fastener in the aperture that attaches the panelportion against an underlying surface. A mounting device refers hereinto any device that may be mounted to another structure, such as areceptacle (e.g., an electrical box), using one or more fasteners (e.g.,screws).

Mounting Device with Over-Strain Protection

FIG. 1A through FIG. 1D illustrate examples of a mounting device havingat least one fastener receiving structure 120 with strain reductioncapabilities. According to examples, a mounting device 100 includes apanel portion 110 that can be mounted to an underlying structure (e.g.,receptacle) or surface (e.g., wall) through insertion of a fastener 90into a fastener receiving structure 120. The fastener receivingstructure 120 includes an aperture 122 for receiving the fastener, aswell as a flexure mechanism that enables the aperture 122 to travelinwards and/or flex with insertion of the fastener. In examples, themounting device 100 is mountable to an underlying surface or structure,with the panel portion 110 remaining planar while an insertive fastenersecures the panel against the underlying surface or structure.

In some examples, the mounting device 100 corresponds to a device orassembly that attaches to an electrical box to retain electrical wiringfor lighting switches. The mounting device 100 can include a receptacleportion 130 that can insert into an opening formed in an underlying wallwhen the mounting device 100 is installed. However, while some examplesare illustrated in the context of a mounting device that installs to anelectrical box, in other variations, the mounting device 100 maycorrespond to another type of structure or device, such as a faceplatethat mounts onto another type of structure or surface.

The mounting device 100 includes a first fastener receiving structure120 provided in a top region of the panel portion 110, and a secondfastener receiving structure 120 provided in a bottom region of thepanel portion 110. In variations, more or fewer fastener receivingstructures 120 may be used. According to examples, the installation ofthe mounting device 100 can utilize one or more fasteners to attach thepanel portion 110 to an underlying surface. Under conventional designs,the insertion of fasteners cause strain and stress on the surface of thepanel portion 110. With strain and stress, panel portion 110 can undergodeflection, fracture, or otherwise lose structural integrity. In someexamples, the panel portion 110 may also include sensitive componentsthat can fail with deflection or structural failure of the panel portion110. By way of example, the panel portion 110 may support, or otherwiseprovide electronic components, such as circuitry and/or connectors,which can fail as a result of deflection or fracturing by the panelportion 110. In examples, the fastener receiving structure 120 canreceive and secure the panel portion 110 to an underlying surface orstructure, while reducing or eliminating strain that would otherwisecause the panel portion 110 to deflect or lose structural integrity.

FIG. 1A illustrates the mounting device 100 in a pre-installed state,prior to the fastener receiving structure 120 receiving an insertivefastener. The fastener receiving structure 120 can be formed within aperimeter of the panel portion 110. In an example, the fastenerreceiving structure 120 includes a flexure mechanism that can be formedby one or more voids 126 (e.g., the curved slits shown in FIG. 1A), oneor more members 124 extending from or defining each void 126, and a ringstructure 128 which connects to the members 124.

FIG. 1B illustrates the mounting device 100 in an installed (orpartially-installed state), where an insertive fastener 90 is insertedinto the aperture 122. The insertive fastener 90 may correspond to, forexample, a screw. In wall mounting applications (e.g., where themounting device 100 attaches to an electrical box to provide anelectrical switch), the insertive fastener 90 may correspond to a drywall screw.

FIG. 1C is a side cross-sectional view of FIG. 1B, along line A-A. InFIG. 1C, fasteners 90 are shown to be fully inserted into respectiveapertures 122. An inserted length of each fastener 90 is extended into afastener receptacle 94 of an underlying wall 88. The receptacle portion130 of the mounting device 100 may also fit within a correspondingopening 96 (e.g., a rough drywall hole) formed into the wall 88. Withthe fasteners 90 inserted into the respective fastener receivingstructures 120, the panel portion 110 can remain planar and securedflush against a room-facing surface of the wall 88.

FIG. 1D is a closeup of region B-B of FIG. 1C. In an example shown, thefastener 90 is inserted in the aperture 122 defined by the ringstructure 128. The ring structure 128 is connected to the members 124,which extends to the respective void 126. In one implementation, oncethe fastener 90 is fully inserted into the aperture 122, furtherinsertion of the fastener 90 causes the inserted width of the fastener90 to increase, such as would be the case of partial insertion of ascrew head. With insertion of the greater width, the ring structure 128can expand. For example, the ring structure 128 may flex as inward forceof a head of the fastener 90 is applied to the fastener receivingstructure 120 (e.g., as the fastener 90 is tightened into the fastenerreceptacle 94). As an addition or variation, the members 124 of thefastener receiving structure 120 can travel inward or otherwise flex toaccommodate the insertion of the fastener 90. In this way, the fastenerreceiving structure 120 can prevent deflection and/or loss of structuralintegrity of the panel portion 110 that could otherwise result from thestrain and stress caused by over-insertion of the fastener 90.

In some examples, the fastener receiving structure 120 can be unitarilyformed with respect to the panel portion 110. For example, the panelportion 110 can be formed from flexible material of a given thickness,and the fastener receiving structure 120 may be defined in part by slitsand/or other voids formed into a segment of the panel portion 110 (e.g.,a portion having a reduced thickness). The formation of slits and/orvoids can enable a portion of the fastener receiving structure 120 thatcontains the aperture 122 to flex and/or travel inwards, to accommodatethe inserted fastener 90. For example, when the fastener 90 isover-inserted, the head of the fastener 90 can partially enter theaperture 122 or otherwise place an inward force on the ring structure128. In such instances, the ring structure 128 and/or member(s) 124 canflex to increase the aperture 122 without straining the panel portion110. As an addition or variation, the ring structure 128 and/ormember(s) 124 can travel inward with insertion of the fastener 90, toreduce or eliminate the resulting strain.

FIG. 1E illustrates a variation of an example mounting device, such asexamples shown by FIG. 1A through FIG. 1D. In an example of FIG. 1E, amounting device 150 corresponds to a base structure or module that canmate to an electrical box of a dwelling, to receive, for example, line,load, and neutral wiring. As provided herein, a “dwelling” can comprisea household, office space, place of business, or any interior or evenexterior space that includes typical wiring and power infrastructure. Inother variations, the mounting device 150 can be implemented as anothertype of device, such as a faceplate or monolithic device that can befastened (e.g., via screw) to another surface or structure. In anexample of FIG. 1E, the mounting device 150 includes a panel portion 160and fastener receiving structures 170. The mounting device 150 may alsoinclude a receptacle portion 180, which can retain electronic wiring orcomponents. In variations such as described with respect to FIG. 6A andFIG. 6B, the receptacle portion 180 can include electronic componentryand a connector interface for enabling another device (e.g., anelectronic module) to be mounted against the mounting device 150.

In an example of FIG. 1E, the fastener receiving structure 170 is formedseparately from the panel portion 160. For example, the panel portion160 may be formed from molded plastic, and the fastener receivingstructure 170 may be formed from metal. The fastener receiving structure170 can be formed within a void of the panel portion 160, with aperimeter of the void providing an interior perimeter interface 164 forthe fastener receiving structure 170. The fastener receiving structure170 can include one or more members 174 which extend from the perimeterinterface 164 to a ring structure 178 that defines an aperture 172 toreceive a fastener.

In variations, the shape or dimension of the members 174 may vary basedon design and implementation. As described with other examples, themembers 174 are configured to provide flexure and/or inward travel forthe ring structure 178 and aperture 172 when the aperture 172 receivesan insertive fastener (e.g., a screw). In this way, an insertivefastener can be inserted inward through aperture 172, with the forceapplied from the insertion causing the ring structure 178 and aperture172 to travel inward. In variations, the members 174 and/or ringstructure 178 can have additional flexure to accommodate additionalwidth of the insertive fastener, resulting from over-insertion of theinsertive fastener.

FIG. 1F illustrates a variation of a fastener receiving structure, foruse with mounting devices. In an example of FIG. 1F, a fastenerreceiving structure 190 is provided on a panel portion 186, with members194 that extend from an interior perimeter interface 188 of the panelportion 186. The members 194 can extend from the interior perimeterinterface 188 to a ring structure 198 that defines an aperture 192 forreceiving an insertive fastener. The members 194 can be shaped in theform of an arc (e.g., corkscrew), as shown by FIG. 1E. In othervariations, the members 194 can have alternative shapes, such asU-shaped members (e.g., see FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B), or as leg members(e.g., see FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B). As described with other examples, themembers 194 are configured to provide flexure and/or inward travel forthe ring structure 198 and the corresponding aperture 192.

In an example of FIG. 1F, the fastener receiving structure 190 includesa failure rib 195 that attaches to the interior perimeter interface 188of the panel portion 186 and to one or more of the members 194. When aninsertion member is inserted into the aperture 192, the members 194 cantravel inward, to prevent strain and stress on the panel portion 186because of the insertion member being inserted. The failure rib 195 candimensioned and/or composed of a material to correlate to apredetermined acceptable depth of travel for the connected member 194.If the connected member 194 reaches or passes a depth that exceeds thedimension and/or material properties of the failure rib 195, the failurerib 195 snaps, causing an audible and/or physical feedback. The audibleand/or physical feedback can be used to signify that an installer of themounting device should stop inserting the fastener. The dimension and/ormaterial of the failure rib 195 can be selected to provide the installerwith feedback just before the inserted fastener is over-inserted to apoint where the inward travel of the member 194 could cause damage tothe member 194 or to the panel portion 186. In this way, the failure rib195 simplifies the installation process, by providing feedback as towhen the installer should stop, for example, drilling or turning a screwduring installation of the mounting device.

FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B illustrate an example of a mounting device 200having at least one fastener receiving structure 220 to mount themounting device 200 against a wall or electrical box. The mountingdevice 200 includes a receptacle 230, with a pair of fastener receivingstructures 220 provided above and below the receptacle. The mountingdevice 200 may include a panel portion 210 formed from a rigid material,such as a plastic. Once mounted, the panel portion 210 is secured flushagainst an underlying wall. As with other examples, deflection of thepanel portion 210 can cause unwanted problems, such as inability for thepanel portion 210 to support electronics, circuitry, or other mountedstructures. The fastener receiving structures 220 serve to preventdeflection or other unwanted strain resulting from use of fasteners tomount the mounting device 200 to a wall.

In some examples, each of the fastener receiving structures 220 can beseparately formed from the panel portion 210. In variations, thefastener receiving structures 220 may be formed from a differentmaterial than the panel portion 210. For example, the panel portion 210can be formed from plastic, while the fastener receiving structures 220can be formed from metal.

The fastener receiving structures 220 may each be provided within aperimeter of a void of the panel portion 210. For example, the panelportion 210 may include an interior perimeter interface 212 for eachfastener receiving structure 220. The interior perimeter interface 212may correspond to an interior edge surface that supports structuralmembers of the respective fastener receiving structure 220. In anexample of FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, the structural members of the fastenerreceiving structure 220 include U-shaped members 224 and a ringstructure 228. An aperture 222 defined by the ring structure 228 canreceive a fastener. In one implementation, over-insertion of a fastener(not shown) causes flexure by the ring structure 228 and/or U-shapedmembers 224. As an addition or variation, insertion of the fastener maycause inward travel by the ring structure 228 and/or U-shaped members224.

FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B illustrate another example of a mounting device 300having at least one fastener receiving structure 320. As with otherexamples, the mounting device 300 includes fastener receiving structures320 which are provided within a perimeter defined by a void of a panelportion 310. In a variation depicted by FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, each of thefastener receiving structures 320 include legs 324 which extend from aninterior perimeter interface 312 of the panel portion 310, to form aring structure 328. The ring structure 328 defines an aperture 322 toreceive a fastener. In one implementation, over-insertion of a fastener(not shown) causes flexure by the ring structure 328 and/or legs 324,and the flexure accommodates the increased width and/or inward travel ofthe fastener. As an addition or variation, insertion of the fastener maycause inward travel by the ring structure 328 and/or legs 324, toprevent deflection or fracture of the panel portion 310.

FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B illustrate yet another example of a mounting device400 having a fastener receiving structure. The mounting device 400includes fastener receiving structures 420 provided within a perimeterof a panel portion 410. Each of the fastener receiving structures 420include arc members 424 that support a corresponding ring structure 428in a void defined by an interior perimeter interface 412 of the panelportion 410. In an example of FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, the ring structure428 defines aperture 422 to receive a fastener (not shown). In oneimplementation, over-insertion of a fastener causes flexure by the ringstructure 428 and/or arc members 424. As an addition or variation,insertion of the fastener may cause inward travel by the ring structure428 and/or arc members 424, to prevent deflection or fracturing of thepanel portion 410.

Base Device for Mounting Electronic Assembly to Electrical Box

Some examples provide for an electronic assembly that includes acombination of a base device and electronic module. Still further, invariations, an electronic assembly can include a base device to retaincomponents that can interface with the wiring of an electrical box(e.g., electrical junction box for a dwelling), where the base devicecan also support and connect with an electronic module and a faceplate.Additionally, in some examples, the base device can be installedseparately from other components of the electrical assembly. Forexample, the base device can be mechanically connected to an electricaljunction box (e.g., gang box for light switches), and further connectedto receive electrical power from the mains (e.g., electrical wiring) ofa dwelling. Once the base device is installed, the electronic module andfaceplate can be operatively coupled to the base device, to enable theoperative assembly to perform any one of various functions, such asproviding lighting control and/or a communication interface with otherdevices in the dwelling.

FIG. 5A illustrates a base device 500 that can be installed to provide amodularized interface to receive an electronic module. According toexamples, the base device 500 can be installed to receive power from thewiring of a dwelling. For example, the base device 500 can be mated toan electrical junction box and connected to receive electrical power(e.g., via line and neutral wiring for a light switch). A receptacle ofthe base device 500 can include an electrical interface to receive andmate with electrical wiring of the dwelling (e.g., line, load, andneutral wiring). The base device 500 may also hold electricalcomponents, such as circuitry, wiring, and/or logical components (e.g.,a microcontroller) that can electrically connect with an electronicmodule. When installed, the base device 500 can mechanically andelectrically mate with an electronic module.

Additionally, in some variations, a panel structure 516 of the basedevice 500 can include features to enhance functionality. For example,the panel structure 516 can include recess formations 515 positioned ator near corners of the base device 500, where additional wiring may beprovided to enhance wireless communication capabilities of the basedevice 500 or of the mounted electronic module 520 (e.g., shown in FIG.5D).

In an example, the base device 500, when installed, provides a matinginterface 510 for an electrical module 520 (see FIG. 5D through 5F). Themating interface 510 includes one or more electrical connectors 514,which can extend electrical power and data connectivity to an electronicmodule 520. In some examples, the base device 500 is operativeindependent of the electronic module 520. For example, the base device500 may include a set of core functionality which the base device 500can perform with or without a connected electronic module 520. Forexample, the base device 500 may be installed to an electrical junctionbox in place of a conventional light switch. In such an example, thewiring provided through the electrical junction box may be connected tointernal components of the base device 500, such that one or more of theelectrical connectors 514 can be operated by a user as a light switch tocontrol lighting.

The base device 500 may also include one or more fastener receivingstructures 502. Each fastener receiving structure 502 can include aportion that defines an aperture for receiving the fastener. Thefastener receiving structures 502 can flex, or otherwise travel inwardwith insertion of an insertive fastener, to reduce or eliminate strainthat would otherwise result from insertion of the fastener.

In examples, the base device 500 can also include structural features tomechanically couple to an electronic module 520 using any one of avariety of different types of coupling mechanisms. For example, the basedevice 500 can include coupling features 508 (e.g., protrusions orhooked elements) that align and fit into corresponding apertures on aback façade of the electronic module 520. The coupling features 508 canenable the electronic module 520 to operatively attach and detach fromthe base device 500. When attached, the base device 500 may supply powerand other resources (e.g., data communications) to the electronic module520 using the connectors 514.

FIG. 5B illustrates a block diagram of electronic components that can beretained within the base device 500. In an example, the base device 500includes electrical components (e.g., connectors, circuits, and/or otherhardware) that interface with the mains of a dwelling (“mains interface513”), a set of electrical components 516 that enable the base device500 to perform functions and operations when installed, and theconnectors 514. The connectors 514 can be configured to mate withcorresponding connectors of the electronic module 520. By way ofexample, the set of electrical components 516 can include memory tostore data, a microcontroller, and one or more wireless transceivers toenable communications with other devices. By way of example, theelectrical components 516 may enable the base device 500 to communicateusing Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Z-Wave, or Bluetooth.

In an example, the connectors 514 may extend power, data andfunctionality to a connected electronic module 520. In some variations,the base device 500 may also include one or more user-interfacemechanisms that enable a user to interact with the base device 500 whenno electronic module 520 is attached. For example, the base device 500can include one or more interactive mechanisms (e.g., touch surface,switch, button, etc.) that enable the base device 500 to operateindependently as a light switch once installed.

FIG. 5C illustrates the base device 500 installed to an electrical box595 that is provided within a wall 598. The base device 500 can receivefasteners that mechanically secure the base device 500 to the wall 598.In an example, the electrical box 595 can be installed within the wall598, and the base device 500 can be secured to the electrical box 595via fasteners. In some variations, the base device 500 may includefastener receiving structures 502 to reduce or eliminate strain that mayotherwise have resulted from the insertion of the fasteners duringinstallation of the base device 500. When installed, the base device 500can provide the mating interface 510 to mate with an electronic module520.

FIG. 5D illustrates installation of an electronic assembly 550, havingan electronic module 520 and base device 500, with the electrical box595 provided within the wall 598. The electronic module 520 canmechanically connect to the base device 500 using structural features508, or other retention mechanisms and features as described with otherexamples. The electronic module 520 can also electronically connect tothe connectors 514 of the base device 500 through use of suitablyconfigured connector elements provided on a back facade of theelectronic module 520.

FIG. 5E and FIG. 5F illustrate an installed electronic assembly. In anexample, an electronic assembly 550 can include the base device 500 andelectronic module 520. The base device 500 can be installed to theelectrical box 595 within the wall 598. As shown, the electronic module520 can include a back façade 523 having a set of connector elementswhich are aligned and configured to be mated with the connectors of thebase device 500. Additionally, as described with examples, the basedevice 500 and the electronic module 520 can utilize one or more sets ofmechanical fasteners to connect the back facade of the electronic module520 to the base device 500. For example, the back façade 523 may includeopenings to receive and latch onto the protrusions or other couplingfeatures 508 (as shown in FIG. 5A).

The electronic assembly 550 can provide the electronic module 520 as awall-mounted device that can perform functions such as control operationof light switches and other devices. As described with other examples,the electronic module 520 can provide additionally functionality for thecombined assembly through, for example, a touchscreen display ortouch-sensitive region, additional processing resources, wirelesscommunication capabilities, voice input, etc. By way of example, theelectronic module 520, when connected to the installed base device 500,can provide functionality to control lights or other devices through theelectrical box 595, as well as other devices within a given vicinity. Insome examples, the base device 500, when installed, can receive anysuitably structured electronic module 520. Thus, a user can attachmultiple alternative electronic modules to the base device 500. Forexample, a user can carry the electronic module 520 from room to room,and mate the electronic module 520 with different base devices 500within a dwelling.

FIG. 5G and FIG. 5H illustrate an example of an electronic assembly 550having the base device 500, the electronic module 520, and a faceplate530. In FIG. 5G, the electronic module 520 is shown to be couplable tothe faceplate 530, and is connected to the base device 500. Theelectronic module 520 may include a set of user-interface components ona front facade. By way of example, the front facade includes a display524, touch-screen or touch-surface, speaker, and/or microphone.

In some examples, the faceplate 530 covers the edges of the frontfaçade, to provide a protective and/or decorative shell for theelectronic module 520. The faceplate 530 can also include voids 532, 534which expose, for example, the display 524, camera, sensors, or touchsurface of the electronic module 520. The faceplate 530 can couple tothe electronic module 520 using, for example, mechanical matingfasteners, such as clasps, tangs or protrusions which can extend fromeither of the electronic module 520 or the faceplate 530 to mate withopenings provided by the other of the module/faceplate 520, 530. Invariations, the faceplate 530 can use biased clasps or members which fitaround and retain the electronic module 520. In examples, thecombination of the electronic module 520 and the faceplate 530 can beattached to the base device 500 via the mating interface 510.

FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B illustrate alternative variations in which a basedevice 600, 650 includes one or multiple types of mechanical fastenersto retain an electronic module and/or faceplate. In FIG. 6A, a basedevice 600 includes retention structures 610, 612 on a top 602 andbottom end 604 of the base device 600. Each of the retention structures610, 612 can include one or more apertures to receive correspondingprotrusion structures from an electronic module.

In FIG. 6B, a base device 650 includes protrusions 652 (e.g., hookedelements) which extend from the sides or side edges of the base device.The protrusions 652 may be set inward by a gap, where a correspondingmating structure from the electronic module or faceplate can bereceived. The base device 650 may also include top and bottom supportstructures 662, 664 to support the electronic module when mated with thebase device 650.

FIG. 7A through FIG. 7D illustrate another example of an electronicassembly, in which one or more hook fasteners of a base device 700 areused to retain an electronic module 720. In FIG. 7A, the base device 700includes a set of hooks 708 (e.g., four) which extend from the panelregion 710. As shown with FIG. 7B, the electronic module 720 includesreceiving structures 722 that are provided on a back façade 724 of theelectronic device 720 to mate with the respective hook fasteners 708 ofthe base device 700. In an example shown, the electronic module 720 mayalso include a recess 725 that provides a set of electrical connectorsto mate with the electrical connectors 712 of the base device 700. Withreference to FIG. 7C, the hooks 708 and receiving structures 722 can bemated to connect the base device 700 to the electronic module 720. FIG.7D illustrates a hook motion which a user can perform to readily matethe electronic module 720 to the base device 700.

FIG. 8A through FIG. 8F illustrate another example of an electronicassembly, in which a slide and rotate mechanism is used to couple anelectronic module 820 to a base device 800. FIG. 8A illustrates the rearfaçade of an electronic module 820 having a retention mechanism 822positioned two bottom corners and coupling insets 827 positioned at thetwo top corners of the electronic module 820. FIG. 8B illustrates acloseup of detail C, showing the retention mechanism 822 as a recessformation having a receiving shape to receive a matching extension 824.In FIG. 8C, a base device 800 includes mirrored extensions 812 (e.g.,retention hooks) that are shaped to mate with the retention mechanism822 of the electronic module 820. The base device 800 further includes apair of coupling protrusions 829 to mate with the coupling insets 827 ofthe electronic device 820. FIG. 8D is a close-up of detail D, showingthe matching extensions 824 as extending outward and upward. FIG. 8E andFIG. 8F show the electronic module 820 and base device 800 being matedusing a slide and rotate motion, in which the extension 824 of the basedevice 800 is received by the counterpart retention mechanism 822 of theelectronic module 820, and the top portion of the electronic module 820is pivoted towards the base device 800 such that the couplingprotrusions 829 of the base device 800 are mated with the couplinginsets 827 of the electronic device 820. In such examples, the couplingprotrusions 829 and coupling insets 827 can be secured automaticallywith applied force (e.g., via a snapping fastener) or can bemechanically secured through the use of locking pins or screws.

FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B illustrate another example of an electronicassembly, in which a base device 900 and an electronic module 920 arestructured to enable the electronic module 920 to slide into the basedevice 900 as a means for securing the electronic device 920 to the basedevice 900. As shown by FIG. 9A, the base device 900 includes perimeterstructure 912 (e.g., a lipped retention slider) which extends outwardfrom a mating interface 910 of the base device 900. In such examples,the electronic module 920 can include a corresponding retention sliderthat couples to the perimeter structure 912 of the base device 900 suchthat a user can slide the electronic module 920 downward to couple theelectronic module 920 with the base device 900 (as shown in FIG. 9A).

Base Extension

In some examples, components of an electronic assembly can bemodularized to permit electronic modules of different sizes to be matedwith an installed base device. As described with, for example, FIG. 5Athrough FIG. 5D, the base device 500 may be installed to conform todimensions of an electrical junction box 595 (e.g., gang box). Forexample, the receptacle of the base device 500 in which electroniccomponents are situated extends into an opening of the junction box 595when installed. As such, a dimension of the receptacle of the basedevice 500 may be constrained by a dimension of an existing junction box595 at the point of installation.

Moreover, junction boxes range in size, based on factors such as thenumber of switches (e.g., to control lights) that are to be providedthrough the box. Thus, a size and configuration (e.g., physical layout)of the base device 500 can also vary to accommodate junction boxes ofdifferent sizes. Likewise, the size and configuration of electronicmodule 520 (and faceplate 530) may also vary. For example, a largerelectronic module 520 may include a larger display, or an additionalsensor area. In order to enhance modularity of the base device 500,examples enable the base device to receive one or more extensions thatincrease its footprint when installed. With an increased footprint, thebase device 500 can, for example, be installed to conform to an existingjunction box, while supporting attachment of an electronic module thatwould otherwise be dimensioned for a larger base device.

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate an example of an extended base device. Withreference to FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B, a base device extension 1010comprises a plate that can be positioned adjacent to a base device 1000to result in a combined base structure 1012 having an increaseddimension (e.g., width) that accommodates a larger electronic module.Depending on implementation, the extension 1010 can be secured to theunderlying wall, to abut against a panel edge 1018 of the base device1000. A dimension of the extension 1010 may be selected so that acombined dimension of the base device 1000 and extension 1010 conformsto a dimension of an electronic module that is to be mated to thecombined structure 1012. The extension 1010 may also include, forexample, retention structures (e.g., see FIG. 6A) and/or supportstructures (e.g., see FIG. 6B) to support a mounted electronic module.

To accommodate the larger electronic module, some examples provide thatthe extension 1010 includes lateral retaining structures 1014 that alignthe extension 1010 laterally and vertically to the base device 1000. Inexamples, the lateral retaining structures 1014 of the extension 1010can include protrusions that extend outward and mate with correspondingrecesses, openings, or coupling mechanisms along or near a panel edge1018 of the base device 1000.

In variations, the lateral retaining structures 1014 may extendlaterally outward towards the panel edge 1018. In such variations, thepanel edge 1018 can include lateral recesses to receive the lateralretaining structures 1014. In other variations, the base device 1000 caninclude lateral structures such as described above, and the extension1010 can include conforming recesses, openings, or coupling structuresfor receiving the lateral structures of the base device 1000.

Safety Switch and Plunger Mechanism

FIG. 11A through FIG. 11C illustrate an example safety switch forpowering a mounted electronic device 1150, according to various examplesdescribed herein. Referring to FIGS. 11A through 11C, a mount plate 1100for an electronic device 1150 can be mounted to an insert plate 1115within a wall box or gang box. The mount plate 1100 can comprise anelectrical mating interface for an electronic module 1150, and caninclude a recess 1105 for an electronic connector 1130 that providespower to the electronic device 1150. In various examples, the mountplate 1100 can include a plunger 1110 in an extended position when theelectronic device 1150 is not mounted thereon. When the plunger 1110 isin the extended position, a safety switch 1120 is disengaged such thatan air gap 1122 exists. In the disengaged position the safety switch1120 decouples an electrical power line 1125 from the electronicconnector 1130. As shown in FIG. 11C, when the plunger 1110 is in theextended position, the safety switch 1120 is open, creating an air gap1122, which disconnects the power line 1125 from the mount plate 1100.

FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate another example of a safety switch forpowering a mounted electronic device 1250, according to examplesdescribed herein. As shown in FIG. 12A, the electronic device 1250 ismounted to the mount plate 1200, which depresses or pushes the plunger1210 inward and closes the safety switch 1220, enabling electrical powerto be provided to the electronic device 1250 via the power line 1225,closed switch 1220, and electrical connectors of the mount plate 1200.Accordingly, coupling the electronic device 1250 to the mount plate 1200connects the electrical connector (not shown) to the electronic device1250 while at the same time depresses the plunger 1210 to engage thesafety switch 1220. When decoupling the electronic device 1250 from themount plate 1200, the plunger 1210 can automatically extend, whichdisengages the safety switch 1220, thereby decoupling the power line1225 to the electrical connector.

Shutter Mechanisms

FIG. 13A through 13D illustrate an example embodiment of a shuttermechanism 1345 for an electronic device, according to various examples.The electronic device can comprise embodiments described throughout thepresent disclosure, such as the electronic module 520 shown anddescribed with respect to FIG. 5G and FIG. 5H. As described herein, theelectronic device can include various sensors (e.g., light sensors,motion sensors, etc.) and one or more cameras that require apertures toreceive or otherwise capture sensor data. Referring to FIG. 13A and FIG.13B, a faceplate 1300 for an electronic device can include an aperture1302 for one or more sensors (e.g., a motion detection sensor) that neednot be covered or that may be required to be uncovered for optimal useof the electronic device (e.g., for detecting the presence of a user).The faceplate 1300 can further include a camera aperture 1304 for acamera of the electronic device, wherein the camera is disposed on afront façade of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 1150,1250 shown in FIG. 11B and FIG. 12A).

It is contemplated that users may wish to cover the camera in certaincircumstances. Thus, according to examples described, a shuttermechanism 1345 is included, as shown in the rearward views of FIGS. 13Cand 13D, within the faceplate 1300 to enable a user to close the cameraaperture 1304. A shutter slider 1360 of the shutter mechanism 1345 caninclude a shutter portion 1308 that covers the camera lens. The shutterportion 1308 can include a protrusion or lip 1306 that the user can pushwith a finger to open and close the shutter portion 1308. In variousexamples, the shutter slider 1360 of the shutter mechanism 1345 includesone or more slider pins 1312 that are guided in slider openings 1314 toensure linear opening and closing of the shutter mechanism 1345.

In certain implementations, the shutter slider 1360 of the shuttermechanism 1345 can further include sliding dovetails 1316 so that theshutter portion 1308 is rigid to the faceplate 1300, and only allowslinear movement along a width of the camera aperture 1304, whichcorresponds to the length of the slider openings 1314 and the railsalong which the sliding dovetails 1316 slide. As shown in FIGS. 13C and13D, the slider openings 1314 and the sliding dovetails 1316 can both beplaced laterally to the camera aperture 1304 (e.g., at a same horizontalaxis with respect to the faceplate 1300), since there is a sufficientgap 1307 between the camera aperture 1304 and the edge of the faceplate1300 (as shown in FIG. 13B). This gap 1307 enables the shutter portion1308 and shutter mechanism 1345 to be disposed behind the faceplate 1300along the length of the gap 1307 and lateral to the camera aperture1304. Further description of the shutter slider 1360 of FIGS. 13Athrough 13D is provided below in connection with FIGS. 15A and 15B.

Referring to FIG. 13D, the chassis of the electronic device or thefaceplate 1300 can include a lever arm 1321 that includes a locking pinthat soft locks to a pair of corresponding locking holes 1317 of atacking portion 1319 of the shutter mechanism 1345 (shown in FIG. 15B).For example, the locking pin can be located at a distal end of the leverarm 1321 and can slide within a guiding groove 1323 (shown in FIG. 15B)to soft lock in an open position in which the locking pin locks to afirst locking hole 1317, and a closed position in which the locking pinlocks to the other locking hole 1317. Further detail of this softlocking feature is provided below with respect to FIG. 15B.

FIG. 14A through 14C illustrate another example embodiment of a shuttermechanism 1445 for an electronic device, according to examples describedherein. As shown in FIG. 14A, a shutter portion 1408 covering the cameraaperture 1404 also includes a protrusion or lip 1406, and the sensoraperture 1402 remains open. The shutter mechanism 1445 shown anddescribed with respect to FIGS. 14A through 14C is an alternativeembodiment required for electronic devices and corresponding faceplates1400 in which a gap 1407 between the camera aperture 1404 and an edge ofthe faceplate is inadequate for the simple installation andconfiguration of the shutter mechanism 1345 of FIGS. 13A through 13D.Thus, referring to FIG. 14B, the rails for the sliding dovetails 1416 ofthe shutter mechanism 1445 are positioned above and below the cameraaperture 1404 as opposed to being laterally positioned in relation tothe camera aperture 1404. Accordingly, the sliding dovetails 1416,slider openings 1414, and slider pins 1412 are positioned on horizontalaxes that are above and below a horizontal axis of the camera aperture1404 and sensor aperture 1402 respectively. Furthermore, in someaspects, the gap 1407 can comprise a width that is substantiallyequivalent to a width of the shutter portion 1408 of the shutter slider1460.

Referring to FIG. 14B, the chassis of the electronic device or faceplate1400 can include a pair of lever arms 1421 each including a locking pinconfigured to slide within a guiding groove 1423 between two lockingholes 1417 of a tacking portion 1419 of the shutter mechanism 1445(shown in FIG. 16B). For example, for each lever arm 1421, the lockingpin can be located at a distal end of the lever arm 1421 and can slidewithin a the guiding groove 1423 (shown in FIG. 16B) to soft lock in anopen position in which the locking pin locks to a first locking hole1417, and a closed position in which the locking pin locks to the otherlocking hole 1417. Further detail of this soft locking feature isprovided below with respect to FIG. 16B.

The shutter slider 1460 can comprise a shutter portion 1408 to cover thecamera aperture 1404 when closed, and one or more slider appendages 1418that stabilize the shutter slider 1460. In the example shown in FIG.14C, the shutter slider 1460 comprises a pair of slider appendages 1418.The slider pins 1412 and sliding dovetails 1416 can each be coupled to arespective slider appendage 1418, which may then be coupled to slideropenings 1414 and rails respectively. Further description of the shutterslider 1460 of FIGS. 14A through 14C is provided below in connectionwith FIGS. 16A and 16B.

FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B illustrate a shutter slider 1360 implemented in ashutter mechanism 1345 as shown and described with respect to FIG. 13Athrough FIG. 13D. As shown in FIG. 15A, the shutter slider 1360 includesa shutter portion 1308 and a protrusion or lip 1306. Referring to FIG.15B, a backside of the shutter slider 1360 can include multiple sliderpins 1312 and multiple sliding dovetails 1316 that hold the shutterslider 1360 in a constant horizontal position and enables movement alonga single linear axis. It is contemplated that certain applications ofshutter mechanisms can scratch or cause damage to camera lenses. Inorder to prevent such damage, the rear side of the shutter portion 1308can include a recess 1340 so that the rear side of the shutter portion1308 does not make contact with the camera lens of the electronicdevice.

As shown in FIG. 15B, the shutter slider 1360 can include a tackingportion 1319 that comprises a pair of locking holes 1317, one for anopen position of the shutter mechanism 1345 and the other for a closedposition of the shutter mechanism 1345. A guiding groove 1323 can bedisposed between the locking holes 1317 to guide the locking pin of thelever arm 1321 of the chassis between the open and closed positions. Inpractice, a user opening and closing the shutter mechanism 1345 willfeel an initial click corresponding to the locking pin being releasedfrom one locking hole 1317, and a subsequent click corresponding to thelocking pin engaging the other locking hole 1317.

FIG. 16A and FIG. 16B illustrate a shutter slider 1460 implemented inthe shutter mechanism 1445 as shown and described with respect to FIG.14A through FIG. 14C. As shown in FIG. 16A, the shutter slider 1460 caninclude a shutter portion 1408 having a protrusion or lip 1406, and apair of appendages 1418, as described herein. Referring to FIG. 16B, theshutter slider 1460 can further include multiple slider pins 1412 andmultiple sliding dovetails 1416 that also enable movement only along asingle linear axis. The shutter slider 1460 shown in FIG. 16B alsoincludes a recess 1440 on a rear side of the shutter portion 1408 toprevent contact between the shutter portion 1408 and the camera lens.

As shown in FIG. 16B, the shutter slider 1460 includes a pair of tackingportions 1419 (e.g., an upper tacking portion and a lower tackingportion), each including a pair of locking holes 1417 and a guidinggroove 1423 disposed therebetween. A corresponding locking pin on acorresponding lever arm 1421 for each tacking portion 1419 can engagewith and disengage from each locking hole 1417 depending on whether theshutter mechanism 1445 is in a closed or open position. Like the shutterslider 1360 described in FIG. 15B, the shutter slider 1460 in FIG. 16Bcan be utilized by a user to open and close the shutter mechanism 1445,and the user will feel a click corresponding to the locking pindisengaging with one locking hole 1417 and a subsequent clickcorresponding o the locking pin engaging with the other locking hole1417. Although the foregoing embodiments have been described in somedetail for purposes of clarity of understanding, the invention is notlimited to the details provided. There are many alternative ways ofimplementing the invention. The disclosed embodiments are illustrativeand not restrictive.

What is claimed is:
 1. A mounting device comprising: a panel portion;and a fastener receiving structure provided within a perimeter of thepanel portion, the fastener receiving structure including a flexuremechanism that defines an aperture, the flexure mechanism enabling thefastener receiving structure to flex with insertion of a fastener in theaperture that attaches the panel portion to an underlying surface;wherein the flexure mechanism comprises one or more flexure arms thatflex to enable the flexure mechanism to flex upon insertion of thefastener, the one or more flexure arms extending from an interiorperimeter interface of the panel portion to a ring structure thatdefines the aperture.
 2. The mounting device of claim 1, wherein theflexure mechanism enables a portion of the fastener receiving structureto flex to accommodate the fastener being over-inserted into theaperture.
 3. The mounting device of claim 1, wherein the fastenerreceiving structure is separately formed from the panel portion, andwherein the flexure mechanism comprises one or more flexure arms.
 4. Themounting device of claim 1, wherein the ring structure travels inwardalong with the one or more flexure arms with insertion of the fastener.5. The mounting device of claim 1, wherein the flexure mechanismcomprises a failure rib attaching a specified flexure arm of the one ormore flexure arms to the interior perimeter interface, the failure ribbeing structured to snap when the specified flexure arm flexes inwardbeyond a designated threshold during insertion of the fastener.
 6. Themounting device of claim 5, wherein the failure rib is configured toprovide an audible feedback when snapped.
 7. The mounting device ofclaim 1, wherein the one or more flexure arms comprise u-shaped flexurearms coupled to the ring structure.
 8. The mounting device of claim 1,wherein the one or more flexure arms comprise straight flexure armsextending laterally from the ring structure.
 9. An electrical matinginterface for mating an electronic device with a mounting device,comprising: one or more electrical connectors that electrically couplethe mounting device to a corresponding set of electrical connectors ofthe electronic device; a front façade comprising a plunger coupled to asafety switch, the safety switch being disposed between the one or moreelectrical connectors and main wiring of a dwelling; wherein the plungerdepresses and closes the safety switch upon coupling of the electronicdevice to the electrical mating interface, and wherein closing thesafety switch electrically couples the main wiring of the dwelling tothe electronic device.
 10. The electrical mating interface of claim 9,further comprising: a mounting device comprising a fastener receivingstructure, the fastener receiving structure including a flexuremechanism that defines an aperture that enables the fastener receivingstructure to flex with insertion of a fastener in the aperture thatattaches the panel portion to an underlying surface.
 11. The electricalmating interface of claim 10, wherein the flexure mechanism comprisesone or more flexure arms that flex to enable the flexure mechanism toflex upon insertion of the fastener.
 12. The electrical mating interfaceof claim 11, wherein the one or more flexure arms extend from aninterior perimeter interface of the mounting device to a ring structurethat defines the aperture.
 13. The electrical mating interface of claim12, wherein the one or more flexure arms comprise u-shaped flexure armscoupled to the ring structure.
 14. The electrical mating interface ofclaim 12, wherein the one or more flexure arms comprise straight flexurearms extending laterally from the ring structure.
 15. A shuttermechanism for a camera of an electronic device, comprising: a slidermechanism that enables the shutter mechanism to operate between an openstate in which a lens of the camera is exposed and a closed state thatblocks the lens of the camera; wherein the slider mechanism comprisesone of (i) a pair of slider appendages that operate the shuttermechanism between the open state and the closed state, wherein each ofthe pair of slider appendages slide along a different horizontal axisthan a horizontal axis corresponding to the camera, or (ii) a singleshutter slider disposed laterally to the camera at a same horizontalaxis, the single shutter slider enabling the shutter mechanism tooperate between the open state and the closed state.
 16. The shuttermechanism of claim 15, wherein the shutter mechanism is not a componentof the electronic device.
 17. The shutter mechanism of claim 15, furthercomprising: a shutter portion coupled to the slider mechanism, theshutter portion moving to cover the lens of the camera in the closedstate.
 18. The shutter mechanism of claim 17, wherein the shutterportion comprises a protrusion that enables a finger of a user to pushor pull the shutter mechanism into the closed state and the open state.19. The shutter mechanism of claim 15, wherein the slider mechanismcomprises a set of sliding dovetails and a set of slider pins thatsecure the slider mechanism to a main portion of the shutter mechanismand enable the shutter mechanism to operate in the open and closedstates.
 20. The shutter mechanism of claim 19, wherein the slidermechanism comprises a set of locking holes that enables the sliderportion to soft-lock to a corresponding set of tacking pins of the mainportion in both the open and closed states.